The characters had not taken a wrong turn from their more glamourous Hollywood haunts, but were entries in this year’s Village Show. The class, aimed at groups and families, was to build a scarecrow with the theme of Movies. And it proved immensely popular, with two prizes. One was awarded by the show’s judges, the other by those visiting the show, the People’s Choice.

The scarecrow competition alone attracted 21 entries, which made for a colourful line up in the car park. Overall, there were 323 entries in the entire show, spread across the 37 classes.

The Junior Bake Off Classes, photography and the writing classes proved especially popular.

Lydiard Millicent Primary School and Preschool were actively involved. The Early Years Make and Decorate a Wooden Spoon Class attracted 35 entries! Young poets and writers were also well-represented with 29 entries in the KS2 My Favourite Things class.

Rachel Fairfax won the KS3/4 class Make, Bake and Name your Own Pizza, with her amazing octopus creation. And Sam Gattenby won the KS2 Bake Off Class, with a truly show-stopping cake that had a decidedly contemporary twist (and not a sprinkle or marzipan rose in sight).

All Saints Church hosted some beautiful flower arrangements and art works, show-casing the wide range of creative talents in the village.

Some of the more traditional handicraft classes drew fewer entries, although there were some interesting and imaginative pieces on show. The organisers are thinking of ways to widen the appeal of these classes for next time.

Another innovation this year, was the Men-Only Baking Class, which attracted a range of savoury and sweet pastries. Ian Penning won first place, with Craig Scott coming second and David Cain third. The men also did well with their bread making, Tudor Roberts taking second place and David Cain third. Janet Fowler came first.

Despite the inclement weather, Lydiard Millicent school choir and maypole dancers gave an amazing performance. And Cake Break, as ever, excelled themselves with tea, coffee and a profusion of sweet things.

This year’s Village Show was the best yet. And planning has already started for next year’s. The organisers welcome feedback, and suggestions.

Finally, the results for the various classes are set out below. If I’ve inadvertently missed any one out, please let me know.

Would-be bakers, writers, florists, crafters, and anybody else wanting to have a go, have until Friday (22 April) to get their entries in for the annual Lydiard Millicent Village Show.

This will be the third year the show has run, and looks set to be the best yet.

Every home in Lydiard Millicent should have received details of the show. 700 leaflets, sponsored by Richard James, have been distributed, through doors and via the church, school and the Sun Inn. The aim is a real, community-wide, event.

There are a wide range of classes, covering baking, home produce, handicrafts, flower-arranging, painting and drawing, photography and writing.

Some of the categories have been pared down from previous years, allowing more flexibility in individual classes. There are, for example, fewer restrictions on size. It is also hoped that the number of entries will increase, with rosettes on offer for first, second and third places. In the larger classes, there will also be some highly commended certificates.

Above all, however, organisers hope the show will be a fun event. The show is for amatuers, and judged by amatuers (albeit enthusiastic ones).

There are specific classes for children, from Early Years to Key Stage 3 and 4. Every child from Lydiard Millicent Primary School has the opportunity to take part in a class. Teaching assistants, Mrs Jacqui Ambrose and Mrs Diane Crawford, have been busy co-ordinating their entries, which range from decorated wooden spoons for the reception children to poems by Key Stage 2 pupils.

This year, there are also two new, innovative, classes.

One is a baking class for men only, comprising a sweet or savoury pastry item. (Ready-made pastry, the organisers have confirmed, is fine).

The other is to make a scarecrow with the theme of The Movies. This is a class aimed at groups and families. There will be two prizes, one awarded by judges, the other by a public vote. The intention is to have the scarecrows in front of the hall, with visitors asked to choose their favourite. With the result of each category only being announced later, it will be interesting to see if the judges’ view concurs with the people’s choice!

This year, entrants to the writing classes must submit their work with their forms by Friday 22 April.

In the past, the writing classes have been some of the most popular. Having a week to read the entries will allow the judges to digest and reflect on them. It will also allow the entries to be included in a booklet, which will be sold on the day. People can then take the stories and poems away to read at their own leisure.

For those not inclined to enter any of the classes, the village show still has lots to offer. Cake Break will be providing refreshments. (If you haven’t tried any of their cakes yet, then this may be the time. Their cakes and scones are a real treat).

Weather permitting, there will be May Pole dancing and singing, provided by children from the school. This will take part in the Community Field. Sian Penning, one of the organisers, said she hopes this year “there will be something for everybody.”

The date of the village show coincides with the Sausage and Cider festival at the Sun. It would be possible to drop off your entry at the Parish Hall and enjoy a lunchtime bite at the Sun before heading back for the show.

The show will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 2 May, at the Parish Hall. Doors open for the public at 2pm, with the presentation of certifictates to the winners at 4pm. Entries must be submitted along with entry forms and fees by 22 April 2016. The Parish Hall and Church will be open from 8am until 11am for entries to be presented.